Multi-Hop Sidelink Paging Relay for Extended NR Coverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing NR sidelink relay operation is limited to single-hop communication, which restricts its applicability in scenarios requiring extended coverage, necessitating support for multi-hop relay operations, particularly in environments where base station coverage is exceeded.

Innovation Solution

A method for controlling paging through a multi-hop sidelink relay operation, involving intermediate and last relay UEs, where the intermediate relay UE transmits and receives sidelink remote UE information messages to and from parent and child relay UEs, and the last relay UE identifies and includes paging records in sidelink RRC messages based on UE identification matching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If single-hop sidelink relay operation is used, then device complexity is reduced, but coverage extension capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage extension capabilityVSAvoidrelay operation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The relay path is segmented into multiple hops with each relay UE handling a specific segment of the communication path. The patent divides the relay chain into first relay UEs (closer to base station) and second relay UEs (closer to remote UE), with each segment managing its own paging and communication functions independently but coordinating through standardized interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple relay UEs act as intermediaries between the base station and remote UE. Each relay UE in the multi-hop path serves as a mediator that receives paging messages from the previous hop and forwards them to the next hop, enabling extended coverage while distributing the complexity across multiple simpler nodes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If multi-hop relay operation is implemented, then coverage extension is enabled, but paging control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidpaging control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by having relay UEs pre-establish paging control parameters and identification information before actual paging messages are transmitted. Each relay UE configures its paging occasion and DRX parameters in advance based on the remote UE's characteristics, so that when paging messages arrive, the relay chain can process them efficiently without complex real-time calculations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where relay UEs acknowledge received paging messages and confirm successful forwarding. The second relay UE sends feedback information to the first relay UE about message delivery status, and the base station receives feedback from the relay chain, enabling dynamic adjustment of paging parameters and ensuring reliable message delivery across the multi-hop path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Length of moving object

If multi-hop relay is used for extended coverage, then base station coverage limitation is overcome, but information transmission reliability may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage extensionVSAvoidpaging message delivery reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where relay UEs acknowledge received paging messages and confirm successful forwarding. The second relay UE sends feedback information to the first relay UE about message delivery status, and the base station receives feedback from the relay chain, enabling dynamic adjustment of paging parameters and ensuring reliable message delivery across the multi-hop path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by implementing error detection and correction mechanisms at each relay hop, along with redundant paging message transmission. Each relay UE verifies message integrity and can retransmit if errors are detected, cushioning against the potential reliability degradation that would otherwise occur over multiple hops.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP4679903A1Controlling paging through multi-hop sidelink relay operation
Publication Date: 2026.01.14 KT CORP
  • EP4679903A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4679903A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4679903A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided are methods for controlling a paging operation using a wireless relay technology by relay UEs providing a multi-hop relay operation in a sidelink network. The method may include receiving, from a child relay UE, a message for paging reception of a remote UE, transferring the same to a parent relay UE, receiving a paging record from the parent relay UE, and transferring the same to the child relay UE.